FAQ: Carriers & Crates for birds

The safest place is on the back seat secured with a seat belt, or wedged in the footwell behind the front seat, so it cannot slide when braking. Do not put it on the front seat facing an airbag or in a boot with poor air flow.

Thread the seat belt through the carrier handle or its belt slots and buckle it so the carrier cannot slide forward or tip over. Check that the belt does not squeeze the carrier so much that the door opens or the walls bend.

No, a loose bird can distract the driver, get under the pedals, be injured when braking or escape through an open door or window. In a car a bird should always be shut in a secured carrier.

Not in an enclosed saloon boot, because it lacks air, is dark and noisy, and the temperature can rise or drop quickly. In an estate or SUV cargo area that is open to the cabin, a carrier can go only if it is firmly secured and away from shifting luggage.

Some birds feel the motion and may bring up food or have looser droppings, especially on winding roads. Smooth driving, securing the carrier so it does not sway and less food just before the trip help, and if it keeps happening, talk to a vet.

Loud music is better switched off, because birds are sensitive to noise and vibration. Open windows create draughts that can chill the bird, so ventilate with the air conditioning or a slightly opened window away from the carrier instead.

No, birds' airways are very sensitive to smoke and fumes, so tobacco smoke, e-cigarette vapour or air fresheners harm them even briefly. Before the trip also remove scented car air fresheners.

On a long drive it is handy to stop every couple of hours to offer water, check that the bird is calm and breathing evenly, and change a wet liner. When stopped, do not open the carrier outdoors or leave the car in the sun.

Better not even briefly, because on a sunny day a car heats up within minutes and in winter it cools quickly, and birds are very sensitive to both. If it truly cannot be avoided, leave it for only a few minutes, in the shade and with ventilation, or take the carrier with you.

Do not open the carrier in the car or outdoors: carry it closed into the house, shut the doors and windows and only then let the bird out. Before carrying it, check that the door is still fastened, as the bird may have worked at it during the trip.

Yes, sudden braking or sharp turns throw the bird off its perch and can hurt it, so drive smoothly and keep a larger following distance. A low perch and a secured carrier help if you do have to stop suddenly.

Yes, as long as the bird carrier is firmly secured and the dog or cat cannot reach it, for example by being in their own crate or belted in. Having a predator nearby is very stressful for a bird, so cover the carrier on that side.

Carrying a bird by motorcycle or bicycle is not recommended, because vibration, noise, wind and the risk of a fall are very dangerous for it. If there is no other way, the carrier must be sturdy, well secured and sheltered from the wind, and the trip very short.

In many cities small animals in closed carriers are allowed, but the conditions vary, so check the local operator's rules. Keep the carrier on your lap or between your feet, partly covered, and avoid rush-hour crowds.

Usually small animals in a closed carrier may travel by train, sometimes with a separate ticket or size limits. Check the operator's rules before travelling and make sure the carrier is clean, does not drop husks and does not smell.

It depends on the driver's or company's rules, so when booking say in advance that you will carry a bird in a closed carrier. Keep the carrier on your lap or secure it with the seat belt on the back seat.

Ferry companies usually have their own pet rules: animals may have to stay in the car, in pet-friendly cabins or in designated areas. For a bird it is important to avoid cold and heat on the car deck, so find out the conditions in advance.

Carry it level and close to your body so it does not swing, partly covered against wind, sun and street noise. Avoid busy streets with dogs and do not set the carrier down on a cold or hot pavement.

Live birds cannot be sent as ordinary parcels: most couriers' rules forbid it, and an unattended journey is very dangerous for the bird. Animals are moved only by carriers specialised for this, in line with animal welfare requirements.

In the cabin airlines usually allow soft or semi-rigid bags that fit under the seat in front, so check the size and weight limits in the airline's rules. The bag must be well ventilated with a leak-proof floor, and the bird must be able to stand and turn around inside.